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Seniors Card: Guide for Australian Senior Citizens

7 December 2017

The benefits of the seniors card

For many seniors, coping with the cost of everyday purchases can be very difficult, as the senior years are years when many people struggle financially, even when they have pension plans in place. When you consider the contribution that many seniors in Australia have made to their local communities and areas over the years – and continue to make to this day – it is terrible to think that they are left struggling to purchase the things that they want or need.

Seniors cards can prove invaluable for Australian seniors and these cards are available all across Australia, with each state and territory having its own senior's card scheme in place. These cards are issued free of charge, which means that seniors can enjoy all of the benefits of the scheme without having to pay out a cent for the privilege. These cards can prove invaluable to seniors who want to be able to benefit from special deals, discounts and offers, with many businesses and retailers who participate in the scheme.

The benefits of having a seniors' card

Having a seniors' card can be hugely beneficial to older consumers, as it enables them to get a wide range of discounts, special offers and great deals on a wide variety of goods and services, which means that they could essentially save a fair amount of money each year simply through the use of their card.

Each state and territory will have its own scheme in place, so you would need to make your application based on where you reside. Also, based on the area in which you reside you will be able to benefit from discounts on a variety of goods and services, as you will find that many retailers and businesses sign up to these cards in order to offer special deals and discounts to cardholders.

As many seniors will know from personal experience, affordability on many goods and services can be tight when you are on a pension or when you are nearing retirement and need to be more mindful about what you spend. These seniors' cards can make a big different to the amount that eligible seniors end up paying for various goods and services, making them ideal for those who want to be able to cut costs and enjoy easy access to some great offers.

You will find that over the years these cards and schemes have become increasingly popular and many now have hundreds of businesses on board who offer discounts and deals for cardholders, which means an even wider choice of products and services and even better deals at your fingertips. The fact that these cards are available free of charge to seniors who are eligible in terms of age and residency means that there is nothing to lose at all by applying for one of these cards and everything to gain.

Things to take into consideration about the seniors' card

If you are looking to benefit from the seniors' card there are a number of things that you should take into consideration. You need to ensure that you are eligible for the card and you should bear in mind that each state has its own scheme, so you should make your application accordingly based on where you are a resident. Some of the things that you should bear in mind include:

Checking eligibility: These cards are made available to recognise the contribution of seniors across Australia but there are still eligibility criteria in place that need to be adhered to. Therefore, you should check the eligibility for the senior card scheme in your particular state or territory to ensure that this is something that you can comply with before you make your application. Your age and place of residence will be amongst the important criteria that you need to look at in order to get one of these cards

The benefits on offer: The number of businesses that are signed up to these schemes and the range of service and goods available via the schemes, will vary from one scheme and area to another. Some schemes may have a larger number of businesses on board than others. However, all of the schemes across Australia offer a good mix of businesses that have signed up to offer cardholders special deals, discounts and offers, which you can check in the directory that comes with the scheme in your own area

Application for the card: If you are eligible for the seniors' card in your area, you need to determine the best way to make your application. There are usually a number of options and the easiest for most people will be an online application, which offers ease and convenience. However, you can also complete a hard copy application and post it off to get your card

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Shirley Liu is a program manager at finder, formerly the publisher for Banking and Investments. She is passionate about helping people make an informed decision, save money and find the best deal for their needs.

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45 Responses

NurellMay 16, 2017

Hi. I am inquiring for my Father, if you are over 68yrs, permanent resident of WA and work full-time, are you entitled to any seniors card or concession card to help with the medical bills etc?

I am 65 year old living in NSW, if I continue to work, am I eligible for any government contributions, few years ago was if you work more than your retirement age you can get funds from Centrelink as a bonus for your contribution to work.

Eligibility for the Australian Seniors Card differs between states, but generally you need to be a resident of the state you’re applying for the card in so you may not be eligible. You can find out more on the Australian Government website.

In December 2014 I received a letter from Hon David Davis MP Minister for Health re new Seniors Business Discount Card to be introduced in 2015 for Victorians aged 60 or over who are working full time.It explained discounts etc & that information on how to apply for the Card would be provided in 2015.
I have not received any further information,is there a way for me to apply for the new Seniors Business Card?

You can pick up an application form from an Australia Post outlet, or you can download and print a form from the Seniors Online website. Once you’ve filled out the form you’ll need to send it to the Seniors Card Program (the address should be printed on the form). It takes between three and four weeks for your card to be delivered.

On the Centrelink website it states that, “you may be eligible for a Health Care Card if you get specific payments or supplements from Centrelink or the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A.

You will be automatically issued a Health Care Card if you are residing in Australia and you get:
Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Youth Allowance as a job seeker, Partner Allowance, Parenting Payment partnered, Widow Allowance, Special Benefit, Carer Payment for short-term or episodic care under 6 months, the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A, Mobility Allowance if you are not receiving Disability Support Pension or Carer Allowance caring for a child under 16 years or Farm Household Allowance.”

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